OKKO Hotels Lyon Pont Lafayette

Set in a handsome neoclassical building overlooking the Rhone River, this former police headquarters has been transformed into a stylish urban design hotel, with interiors from French designer Patrick Norguet. Expect minimalist-chic, custom-made furniture, sleek wooden floors, brick walls painted black for a hip look, and bright pops of yellow and orange in seating and rugs. The concept of this relatively new French chain is to do away with lobbies, conference rooms, breakfast rooms, bars, and lounges, and replace them with "The Club,” a common multipurpose space for dining, work, and relaxation. This offers plenty of opportunities for mingling, especially during the free evening aperitivo. Most guests are couples traveling on leisure, but business travelers looking for an alternative to the usual chains also choose to stay here.

The hotel has a fantastic location in the center of town -- in Lyon's chic 6th Arrondissement. The historic area of Presqu’île is filled with cafes, restaurants, luxury shops, department stores, and cultural venues, all within walking distance of the hotel. Historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a short drive away. There are two metro stations just a few minutes' from the hotel, making most areas of the city easily accessible. 

• Three-minute walk to Rhone River 
• Four-minute walk to Lafayette Bridge
• Eight-minute walk to both Foch and Cordeliers metro stations
• 10-minute walk to Rue de la Republique shopping street
• 12-minute walk to Lyon Museum of Fine Art 
• 13-minute walk to the Presqu’île district 
• 14-minute walk to Saone River
• 11-minute drive to Lyon-Part Dieu train station 
• 11-minute drive to Place Bellecour
• 13-minute drive to Historic Old Town (Vieux Lyon)
• 16-minute drive to Fourviere Basilica
• 33-minute drive to Lyon-Saint Exupery airport

Guest rooms' minimalist design includes a sophisticated melange of cool neutral tones, textured wallpaper, and custom designer furniture. There's a clever use of space, with small storage areas that contain shelves and open wardrobes, and wall-mounted desks providing fold-down work areas. Nespresso machines are hidden in single-door cupboards, and there's another for extra storage space. The overall look is streamlined and chic, and spaces are bright thanks to French doors and sheer white curtains. 

Units are 183 square feet, and they're spacious enough to comfortably accommodate two people. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, bottled water, safes, iPod docking stations, and flat-screen TVs with free video on demand, but there are no mini-fridges or electric kettles. Another notable freebie is free phone calls within France, and credit for international calls.

Bathroom are enclosed in futuristic pod-like shells with curved, louvered walls. Inside, walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads are squeezed next to toilets and round basin sinks. The fact that the walls are partially see-through create a sense of spaciousness -- but some guests don't appreciate the limited privacy. All bathrooms contain Nuxe toiletries, hairdryers, and fog-free mirrors.

Guests are offered plenty of free food, drinks, and business services thanks to the chain's all-inclusive concept. Most are available in "The Club," which is open 24 hours and designed with separate areas for dining, work, and relaxation. It's where free breakfast is served, a cold continental spread of local and organic products, though some past guests have complained about a limited selection. On the upside, dairy- and gluten-free diets are catered for, and guests leaving early can request a breakfast to go. Another nice perk is free hot and cold drinks and and snacks, and an evening aperitivo accompanied by nibbles of quality French products. The hotel doesn't have a full-service restaurant. 

There's a small but modern and functional fitness center on-site, however, equipped with a treadmill, cross trainer, exercise bike, weights, and fitness ball. Other amenities include a business corner with two computers and a printer, a library that stocks newspapers, magazines, and books, free Wi-Fi throughout, and pets are welcome at no extra cost. The lack of on-site parking may be a downside for guest arriving by car, but a paid public parking lot is located nearby.